Unhooked MAF at Idle, stalled, now cranks with no start?

1996 CHEVROLET CHEYENNE
171,000 MILES • 4.3L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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BRYCEE
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  • 3 POSTS
While idling at normal operating temperature, 197F. I unhooked MAF sensor harness and the engine stalled almost immediately. Now I cannot get it to start. Cranks but no start. Can smell gas after multiple attempts. Drained and filled gas tank with fresh gas. I tried starting with no air filter, also tried with gas pedal pressed to the floor. Checked fuses and seen no obviously blown ones. Tried a little starting fluid. Let it sit overnight and tried it. All with no change.
Have not checked spark yet.
Aug 15, 2023 at 3:22 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

If using starting fluid didn't change anything, it does sound like you lost spark to the plugs. Did you remove any of the spark plugs to see if they were wet with fuel? That is one thing I would suggest.

Also, we really need to check if an ignition spark is present at the spark plugs.

Here is a link that explains how that's done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Do that and let me know what you find. Also, let me know if you checked for diagnostic trouble codes and what they are if you did.

Take care,

Joe
Aug 15, 2023 at 9:54 PM
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BRYCEE
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Sorry for the delay in my response.
My findings were.
No spark. Checked two plugs and two different wires.
I tested the ignition control module and it all looked good but couldn’t get a reading on and on/off signal from computer. Coil was replaced ~30,000 miles ago with Napa brand.
Spark plug 1 was dry and number 3 possibly had some fuel on it.
No check engine codes but under Powertrain it shows all the sensors as incomplete or failed test.
Aug 22, 2023 at 10:46 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Hi,

Do me a favor. That is a large list. Record the numbers so you have them and then clear the codes.

Once you do that, see what code or codes come back first. Looking at the list, I'm not seeing one thing that would prevent the engine from starting. Actually, the P0121 could, but that is questionable.

Do me a favor, I attached diagnostics below for the P0121. Take a look through them and let me know if you are comfortable performing them, if you decide to clear the codes, save any freezeframe data that is stored.

Let me know.

Take care,

joe

See pics below.
Aug 22, 2023 at 7:15 PM
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